The University of Alabama Hiring for Social Theory and Digital Studies of Religion – Assistant Professor – Tenure/Tenure Track – at Alabama Full Time

Apply nowJob no: 520675
Work type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Alabama
Categories: Tenure/Tenure-Track Faculty

Department/Organization
204261 – Religious Studies

Rank
Assistant Professor

Position Summary
The Department of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor in the area of Social Theory and Digital Studies of Religion, beginning August 2024.

Detailed Position Information
The area of specialization (historic period, region, or group studied) is open; however, the successful candidate must complement and enhance the current specialties of the Department by using social theory to understand religion as an element of culture. The specific research area is thus part of the scholar’s attempt to answer broader, cross-cultural questions related to identity, power, and discourse. This position will supplement and expand the Department’s existing B.A. and M.A. curriculum in digital humanities and digital studies of religion. This position will also be affiliated with the REL Digital Lab (RELdl), a collaborative space for the development of digital projects within the Department.

While a variety of digital specialties are potentially relevant, the Department is especially looking for a scholar with demonstrated expertise in digital humanities research methods (e.g., computational text analysis, data visualization, network analysis, GIS, etc.), digital public humanities (e.g., digital collections, digital curation, podcasting, etc.), or research methods for the study of religion in digital technology, media, and culture. Along with such digital expertise, the Department also seeks a scholar with an active research trajectory that will enhance the research portfolio of the RELdl.

The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s curriculum in digital studies of religion by teaching existing undergraduate and graduate courses and proposing new courses within their expertise that expand the digital methods, skills, approaches, and technologies taught in the Department. At times, the successful candidate may also teach courses ranging from introductory/lower- and upper-level B.A. courses to graduate seminars on a variety of analytic topics related to their historical and/or ethnographic area(s) of specialization. All faculty are also expected to supervise M.A. students in the Religion in Culture program when student interests intersect with faculty expertise.

Minimum Qualifications
ABD is the minimum degree for qualification. The committee welcomes applications from candidates with training in the academic study of religion as carried out in a public university, but will also entertain training in related fields (media studies, American studies, sociology, literature, history, anthropology, etc.), as long as expertise in studying and teaching social theory and digital methods in the study of religion are evident. Applicants should demonstrate an active and ongoing research agenda, mention current and future digital research projects, highlight their teaching experience, and make readily apparent their ability to contribute to the life of an academic department in the areas of service and collaboration, especially as related to the RELdl.

Preferred Qualifications
At the time of hire, a Ph.D. is preferred.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2023. Applicants are required to apply online, submitting a cover letter, C.V. (with links to examples of digital research, if available), writing sample, and contact information for three references. Selected applicants will subsequently be asked to provide letters of recommendation, and the committee will then hold online meetings with a small number of candidates before identifying finalists to be brought to campus for interviews. For information, please contact Professor Michael J. Altman Chair, Social Theory and the Digital Study of Religion Search Department of Religious Studies 212 Presidents Hall P.O. Box 870264 University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0264

About the Division/College/School
The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.

As the largest college at The University, we house over 8000 students and 1000 faculty and staff across our 25 departments.

With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and performance venues, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and creative expression.

The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of learning.

About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.

A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.

As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.

It’s a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.

With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.

Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. “EEO is the Law” https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

Advertised: 30 Aug 2023 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Aug 2024 Central Daylight Time